Rationale 1: I conducted this action research to determine if students would achieve higher scores when learning through a WebQuest in 4th grade social studies in comparison to learning from a textbook. The action research also looked at how the use of WebQuests affected student motivation.
Over the last few years, the trend has been towards using technology in learning so I developed this action research to determine if learning with technology was as effective as traditional teaching methods. I wanted to be able to closely examine the advantages or disadvantages as well the limitations associated with using WebQuests in education.
This action research has taught me a lot about teaching with technology as well as how students learn best. In comparing test scores on post-tests after learning from a textbook versus a WebQuest, I discovered that students scored relatively the same. The biggest outcome was in the student surveys. The majority of students preferred to learn from the WebQuest. By doing this action research, I was able to evaluate my teaching methods and given the opportunity to explore many other teaching methods using technology. There were some limitations and disadvantages noted with teaching with technology, and those included time constraints as well as technology glitches.
My students and I have both benefitted from the information gained through this action research. I now incorporate much more technology into my teaching. Student motivation is higher and learning is not as limited as it can be through the use of a textbook. Students are more active in their learning and I receive feedback and evaluate each lesson I teach using technology. It has been a continuous learning cycle. Students are becoming more independent while using technology and the time limitations are not as much of an issue anymore as they become more proficient on the computers.
KSD
4.K.3 The teacher knows how to enhance learning through the use of a wide variety of materials and technological resources (e.g. computers, audio-visual technologies, videotapes and discs, local experts, primary documents and artifacts, texts, reference books, literature, and other print resources).
Through my action research, I was able to stimulate different cognitive process through different instructional techniques used in the social studies WebQuest. Students used a variety of pre-selected online resources to further their knowledge and understanding of the southeast region. Students were also responsible for using technology to create evidence of their learning.
4.S.2 The teacher uses multiple teaching and learning strategies to engage students in active learning opportunities that promote the development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance capabilities and that help students assume responsibility for identifying and using learning resources.
Through the use of the WebQuest, students were involved in cooperative learning groups which gave each student a role in finding information from the WebQuest. They had to problem solve and be responsible for their learning and input in their final presentation. Students used problem solving in a real-world situation to determine which resources would be of most benefit to them while working together as a group. Students were involved with interactive learning through the use of the WebQuest.
4.D.2 The teacher values flexibility and reciprocity in the teaching process as necessary for adapting instruction to student responses, ideas, and needs.
When using technology, teachers must always be flexible. It is impossible to predict what issues may arise when working with technology. The key is to have a clear plan and be ready for the unexpected. Also, as a result of my action research, I have been able to incorporate student surveys into most of my lessons involving technology. This gives me valuable feedback so that I can better prepare for each lesson I develop.
Standard 4
Teachers know how to teach.
The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies, including the use of technology, to encourage children's development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.
Evidence 1: EDT 656/657 Action Research
Rationale 1: I conducted this action research to determine if students would achieve higher scores when learning through a WebQuest in 4th grade social studies in comparison to learning from a textbook. The action research also looked at how the use of WebQuests affected student motivation.
Over the last few years, the trend has been towards using technology in learning so I developed this action research to determine if learning with technology was as effective as traditional teaching methods. I wanted to be able to closely examine the advantages or disadvantages as well the limitations associated with using WebQuests in education.
This action research has taught me a lot about teaching with technology as well as how students learn best. In comparing test scores on post-tests after learning from a textbook versus a WebQuest, I discovered that students scored relatively the same. The biggest outcome was in the student surveys. The majority of students preferred to learn from the WebQuest. By doing this action research, I was able to evaluate my teaching methods and given the opportunity to explore many other teaching methods using technology. There were some limitations and disadvantages noted with teaching with technology, and those included time constraints as well as technology glitches.
My students and I have both benefitted from the information gained through this action research. I now incorporate much more technology into my teaching. Student motivation is higher and learning is not as limited as it can be through the use of a textbook. Students are more active in their learning and I receive feedback and evaluate each lesson I teach using technology. It has been a continuous learning cycle. Students are becoming more independent while using technology and the time limitations are not as much of an issue anymore as they become more proficient on the computers.
KSD
4.K.3 The teacher knows how to enhance learning through the use of a wide variety of materials and technological resources (e.g. computers, audio-visual technologies, videotapes and discs, local experts, primary documents and artifacts, texts, reference books, literature, and other print resources).
Through my action research, I was able to stimulate different cognitive process through different instructional techniques used in the social studies WebQuest. Students used a variety of pre-selected online resources to further their knowledge and understanding of the southeast region. Students were also responsible for using technology to create evidence of their learning.
4.S.2 The teacher uses multiple teaching and learning strategies to engage students in active learning opportunities that promote the development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance capabilities and that help students assume responsibility for identifying and using learning resources.
Through the use of the WebQuest, students were involved in cooperative learning groups which gave each student a role in finding information from the WebQuest. They had to problem solve and be responsible for their learning and input in their final presentation. Students used problem solving in a real-world situation to determine which resources would be of most benefit to them while working together as a group. Students were involved with interactive learning through the use of the WebQuest.
4.D.2 The teacher values flexibility and reciprocity in the teaching process as necessary for adapting instruction to student responses, ideas, and needs.
When using technology, teachers must always be flexible. It is impossible to predict what issues may arise when working with technology. The key is to have a clear plan and be ready for the unexpected. Also, as a result of my action research, I have been able to incorporate student surveys into most of my lessons involving technology. This gives me valuable feedback so that I can better prepare for each lesson I develop.